gain the upper hand

(redirected from gaining the upper hand)
Also found in: Dictionary, Thesaurus, Medical, Encyclopedia.

gain the upper hand

To come to be in a position of advantage, power, and/or control (over someone, something, or some situation). We've been doing everything we can for your father, but I'm afraid the cancer is gaining the upper hand. The home team gained the upper hand when their opponents' star quarterback went out with an injury.
See also: gain, hand, upper
References in periodicals archive ?
Prices of 10-year Japanese government bond futures advanced Tuesday morning with short-covering gaining the upper hand as the benchmark Nikkei Stock Average remained above the 11,000 line.
Japan gov't bond futures prices rise in morning
The Quakers, who had already beaten their West Midlands rivals twice this season, never looked like gaining the upper hand this time.
FOOTBALL: BETTS A LOSER; KIDDERMINSTER 1 DARLINGTON 0
We must do our utmost to prevent hatred from gaining the upper hand.
Where peace begins
Yorkshire's England hopefuls Gavin Hamilton and Craig White were in fine form at Trent Bridge - but couldn't prevent Nottinghamshire gaining the upper hand.
Cricket: Notts take upper hand
Cutlip foresees problems with the consolidation of public relations and advertising agencies, with the latter gaining the upper hand.
What are the issues of 1989?
In fact, since 2000 the number of women traders continues to rise, and they seem to be gaining the upper hand when it comes to making money.
Tradesight Reports Women Hedge Over Men in Swing and Day Trading
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?